“Power Without Compassion Is Oppression”....ADC’s Najeem Salaam Accepts Osun 2026 Guber Ticket, Unveils Reform Agenda


Osogbo —

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially presented Rt. Hon. Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam as its gubernatorial candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, with the seasoned lawmaker and public intellectual pledging compassionate, accountable, and people-centred governance.

Accepting the party’s mandate at a well-attended event, Salaam described his emergence as “not just a political moment, but a moral calling,” insisting that leadership rooted in conscience, service, and empathy must return to Osun’s public life.

“I accept this responsibility with humility and a clear heart,” Salaam declared. “Our people are not asking for miracles. They are asking for competent governance, accountability, and leadership that listens.”

Why He Left APC

In a forthright address, the ADC flagbearer explained that his exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by principle, not ambition. According to him, years of internal conflicts, arrogance, and disregard for the people had weakened governance and eroded public trust in the ruling party.

“Leaving that structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience,” Salaam said, lamenting what he described as a system resistant to reform, where institutions were undermined and governance became secondary to power struggles.

Quoting a Yoruba proverb, he added that when a system is damaged beyond repair, wisdom demands a new direction — a direction he said ADC now represents.

Criticism of Governance in Osun

Salaam also criticised what he termed the misuse of federal influence to withhold local government allocations due to avoidable legal disputes, warning that the situation had worsened hardship across the state.

The consequences, he said, were visible in weakened local governance, unpaid workers, struggling schools, and neglected communities.

“This is not leadership. This is not governance. This is collective punishment,” he stated, adding that power without compassion inevitably becomes oppression.

ADC’s Promise to Osun

Presenting ADC as a credible alternative, Salaam said the party stands for responsible leadership, transparency, development, and unity, stressing that Osun must move from “politics of punishment to politics of purpose.”

“Osun deserves better, and Osun will get better,” he assured.

Agenda for 2026

Outlining his priorities if elected, the ADC candidate pledged to restore integrity to governance, prioritise workers’ welfare, revitalise education and skills development, empower youths beyond election cycles, strengthen security, and promote local enterprise for sustainable economic growth.

“We will make Osun State work again for everyone,” Salaam vowed.

Tributes and Party Unity

The ADC flagbearer paid glowing tributes to party leaders and stakeholders, including Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, whom he praised for courage and visible governance impact, as well as Senators Felix Ogunwale and Adejare Oriolowo, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, and Engr. Olajide Adeniji.

He also commended Mrs. Siju Adeoye for embracing party unity after the zoning decision, describing her action as a demonstration of courage and wisdom.

Final Assurance

Concluding his address, Salaam assured supporters that he would not betray the trust placed in him, declaring that ADC would offer Osun a government anchored on compassion, competence, and credibility.

“We will not fail Osun,” he said. “ADC will not fail Osun.”

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